When carrying a child in a car, whatever the age, it is important to ensure that they are safe and in any case of mishap they are not injured. Most of the parents these days are aware of the safety measures. One of them is the installation of child safety seats or booster seats. It is also important to make sure that the car seat is properly secured to the car, and the straps are well-tightened when the child is put in.
Here are the tips on buying a proper booster seat or child safety seats.
The four stages of child car seat use:
Stage 1- Rear Facing Seats:
● Used from when children are newborn.
● It must be placed at an angle of 45° so that it can support the child's head.
● If any vehicle collision the harness present will ensure that the child does not fall.
● Seats are available with three types of locking options - Universal Anchorage System Seatbelt and locking system Seatbelt only.
● Should only get fitted into rear vehicle seats.
Stage 2 - Forward Facing Seats:
● They have harness straps narrower than car seatbelts.
● This is better fits to children's small shoulders.
● Available with three locking systems- Universal Anchorage system, Seatbelt and locking systems, seatbelt only.
● Should only get installed on rear vehicle seats.
Stage 3- Booster Seats:
● For children who no longer need forward facing seats.
● Booster seats allow the seatbelts to get fitted over the child's lap and shoulder.
● Should get installed on rear vehicle seats.
Stage 4- Seatbelts:
● For older children who have outgrown their booster seats.
● Must be able to wear the seatbelt correctly.
How to choose, install and use Rear-facing seats:
➔ The best locking option of the vehicle should be selected.
➔ Fit the rear-facing seats in one of the vehicle seats.
➔ There must be enough space between the rear facing seat and the front seat.
➔ The rear-facing seat must be stable and should not move.
➔ There must be enough space between the child's head and the top of the rear-facing seat.
➔ Harness straps should snug around baby's shoulder and hips.
➔ The chest clips should be at armor level closed correctly.
How to choose, install and use forward-facing seats:
➔ The best locking option of the vehicle should be selected.
➔ Fit the rear facing seats in one of the vehicle seats.
➔ Attach the the there to the vehicle's anchor point.
➔ There should be no obstruction between the forward facing seat and the tether.
➔ There must be enough space between the child's head and the top of the rear facing seat.
➔ Harness straps should snug around baby's shoulder and hips.
How to choose, install and use booster seats:
➔ Ensure that the child is ready to transit from forward facing seat to booster seat.
➔ For booster seats with back ensure that the back is adjusted properly.
➔ With a booster seat, it always better to use a lap and shoulder belt.
➔ Buckle up any booster seat that is not in use.
Safety tips:
☑Do not use a seat that was involved in a crash.
☑ Register the seat with the manufacturer so that you can receive any recall notices.
☑ Read both your vehicle and child seat instruction manual before fitting.
☑ Determine the height and weight of each seat in your province.
☑ Try your child out in seats at your local retailer before buying one.
The below infographic by Driving Test gives you a glance at tips for buying a child safety seat or booster seat.